Dual compartment package for dispensing fluids

Abstract

The invention relates to a dual compartment package for dispensing of fluids, the package having oppositely disposed end portions, and a central portion, the package having a first compartment in one end portion, and a second compartment in the other end portion, each compartment having a proximal and distal end relative to the central portion of the package, with an aperture positioned at the distal end of each compartment, and one or more partitions separating the compartments at their proximal ends. The package permits convenient storage and dispensing of two fluid components intended for use together, for example, condiments, or cosmetic products.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 629,899, filed Nov. 30, 2011, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The field of the invention relates to packaging for holding and dispensing multiple fluid components. More specifically, the field of the invention relates to a package containing two fluids intended to be used together but maintained and dispensed separately.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]It is not uncommon for certain fluid commodities, such as condiments, or various cosmetic items, to be used at substantially the same time as part of their routine use. For example, oil and vinegar are commonly utilized together in preparing salads or other food items; similarly, shampoo and conditioner are typically used together during a morning shower. In the most common situation, the different items are packaged separately in individual bottles or contai...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a package for holding and dispensing two fluid components separately, but in a single package for ease of use and dispensing. The package has two separate compartments that are designed to be near simultaneously dispensed, at the rate and in the amount desired by the user. The compartments are arranged side by side and have separate apertures to prevent cross-contamination and allow for easy control of the amount of each fluid component dispensed. The package provides enhanced convenience for dispensing more than one fluid component simultaneously, while maintaining the ease of use, portability, and storage of a single package container for such components.

Problems solved by technology

Such side-by-side or longitudinal arrangements have certain limitations.

One important deficiency is that the apertures are generally also side by side, in close proximity, and in that situation, it is more difficult to ensure that the contents of the individual compartments do not mix when it is not desired to do so, and to keep the aperture of one compartment from being contaminated with the contents of the other.

In addition, it is generally difficult to provide equivalent dispensing of fluid components of differing viscosities, particularly in a squeeze bottle, when such is desired (e.g., with cleansing compositions of different viscosities intended to be mixed in situ); conversely, when equivalent amounts of the fluid components are not needed (e.g., oil and vinegar), it can be problematical to differentially control the amount of each fluid component dispersed through the individual apertures without complex mechanisms for preventing simultaneous and / or equivalent dispensing of both condiments.

Thus, while the dual compartment container for fluid dispensing is a significant improvement over the use of individual bottles or containers, those currently available do not provide the maximum convenience that may be desired by a user of these products.

Images